Junior League’s Charity Ball Gathers Small Groups Together, Raises $600K

Junior League’s Charity Ball Gathers Small Groups Together, Raises $600K

Lauren Brown, Rachel Regan, Amanda Pritchett

PERHAPS ONE OF the final "virtual" events of the season, the Junior League of Houston's 73rd annual Charity Ball was also one of the most successful. While it's traditionally held over multiple evenings, this year's was hosted on a single night — but by multiple League members who invited small groups into their homes to stream the event.


Watch parties, like ones hosted by Junior League President Rachel Regan and member Beth Zdeblick, gave the gals an excuse to dress up and mingle in a safer way. Before the "Illuminate" ball began — the theme a nod to how the organization spotlights and spreads hope and volunteerism — a floral centerpiece along with candles, sparklers and a three-course dinner with wine and Champagne were dropped off on guests' doorsteps. Then everyone tuned in to the program, which kicked off with a video message highlighting the group's charity efforts and included testimony from community members who benefited from the Junior League's work over the last year.

The "big board" and silent auction were also virtual this year, of course — but that didn't put a damper on contributions. Items up for grabs included tropical vacations, beautiful baubles from Diamonds Direct and Tenenbaum Jewelers, cooking classes, and a clever "Best of Houston" date-nights-for-a-year package.

Together, attendees raised $600,000 for the organization; the funds will assist in serving the 34 nonprofit agencies with whom the Junior League works.

Alexandra Yates, Whitney Walsh, Amy Comiskey, Katie Hackedorn

Lauren Gates, Anat Zeidman

Trey & Julie Comiskey, Rachel & Mark Terpstra

The Salazar watch party

The Regan watch party table setting

Wendy Lewis Armstrong & Vince Armstrong, II

Marie & Kevin Newton

The Zdeblick watch party

Andrea Davidson, Rachel Regan, Marcie Berry, Keli Luce

Parties

Rachel Gardner with her flower necklaces and, at left, Calla Lilly necklace

ON SATURDAY JULY 27, Foltz Gallery presents Endless Summer, a lively, playful exhibit of works by a multi-generational group of 28 emerging and established Texas-based artists. Taking its name from the 1974 Beach Boys double-album, which compiled the group’s early 1960s hit singles, the show is a visual “mixtape” of colorful paintings, prints, photographs, wall-based installations, ceramics and sculptures, installed lovingly throughout Foltz’s spacious and sunlit galleries. Among the works in Endless Summer are several examples of handmade “sculptural jewelry” by artist Rachel Gardner — a series of wearable wildflowers and fruits, including olives and strawberries.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Aesha Scott, Jack Vielhauer, Courtney Scott

AFTERNOON SHOWERS DIDN'T stop a gorgeous gaggle of yo-pros and creatives from filling downtown’s Z on 23 rooftop lounge to meet Aesha Scott, the standout star of Bravo’s Below Deck reality show.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties